For the next seven days, Bohemian FC are donating 100% of the profits from their very snazzy Refugees Welcome away shirt to MASI to assist with their campaign to end Direct Provision.
Launched in February in partnership with Amnesty International Ireland, it also features the ‘Love Football, Hate Racism’ slogan on the collar.
“Football is a universal language and it can be a vehicle for great good in our society," Bohs director Daniel Lambert said at the time. "At the core of the Bohemian identity is inclusiveness and a desire to utilise football as a means to improve our society as a whole.
“We made the decision to allow our shirt to be used a platform, alongside Amnesty International, to highlight a very real and pressing issue in Ireland today, that of Direct Provision,” Lambert, who also happens to be the manager of Belfast rappers KNEECAP, continues. “This builds on a deep and lasting relationship we have built with MASI and through multiple engagements with people living in Direct Provision.”
Echoing those sentiments, Amnesty International Ireland’s Colm O’Gorman said: “Bohemian FC and their supporters have an incredible track record on social justice issues. We’ve long respected the practical solidarity they’ve shown people seeking asylum and refugees, so this is a fantastic opportunity to bring our supporters together to call for an end to Direct Provision.
“Direct Provision is an ongoing human rights scandal,” O’Gorman continued. “The system is fundamentally flawed, trapping people for years in limbo and isolating them from communities in inhumane, institutionalised conditions. We know there are challenges like the current housing crisis, but this has been going on for 20 years through successive governments. We need a new approach, one that protects people’s human rights. The Direct Provision system is hurting people, especially vulnerable groups like victims of torture, and children and families. So no more excuses. This has to end.”
The unveiling of the shirt has been welcomed by Lucky Khambule, coordinator for Movement of Asylum Seekers, who comments: "The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland values the relationship we have built with Bohemian FC over the years. It is encouraging to see the club forge relations with asylum seekers who regularly attend matches and the team opening the stadium for us to use for events. We wish to congratulate Bohs on the launch and look forward to more collaboration. We thank the whole Phibsborough community for the continuous support.”

1⃣0⃣0⃣% of profits from our #RefugeesWelcome jersey sales in the next 7⃣ days will go to MASI's #EndDirectProvision campaign.

🔴Adult sizes €60: https://t.co/SD2ZEn0mZu

⚫️Kids sizes €50: https://t.co/jdJ1vsjdwD

📰 Statement: https://t.co/hfgXD4qWmS#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/4DBEds2UQ4

— Bohemian FC 🔴⚫ (@bfcdublin) June 11, 2020